Full Breakdown
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Poised for Second Consecutive MVP Award
4/10/2026, 9:43:49 PM
Overview of the MVP Race
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches its conclusion, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is the clear frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. An anonymous poll conducted by The Athletic revealed that 39% of players selected Gilgeous-Alexander as their MVP choice, significantly ahead of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who garnered 21.4% of the votes. Other candidates included Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, and Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic, each receiving 8.2% of the votes.
Gilgeous-Alexander's Dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander has maintained an impressive performance throughout the season, averaging 31.1 points per game with a field-goal percentage of 55.3%. His scoring consistency has been a key factor in the Thunder's success, as they secured the top seed in the Western Conference with a record of 64-16. Notably, he has scored at least 20 points in every game this season, extending his record streak to 140 games, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's previous mark.
Players have praised Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to perform under pressure, especially in critical moments. One anonymous player remarked, “He’s the best player on the best team. What more do you have to say?” His contributions have been particularly significant given the absence of teammate Jalen Williams for over half the season due to injuries.
Jokic's Historic Season
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, is also having a remarkable season, averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. He is on track to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. Despite a mid-season injury that affected his performance, Jokic has rebounded strongly, contributing to the Nuggets' current ten-game winning streak.
Other Notable Candidates
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, despite not cracking the top five in player votes, remains a significant contender. He is averaging 24.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive prowess. Jaylen Brown has also emerged as a strong candidate, keeping the Celtics competitive amid injuries to key players.
Criticism and Opposition
While Gilgeous-Alexander is favored, some critics argue that his style of play, particularly his ability to draw fouls, has drawn backlash from fans. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the 65-game eligibility rule, which may impact the candidacy of players like Doncic and Cunningham, who are close to the threshold.
Official Statements & Responses
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander, stating, “He’s as efficient as he’s ever been, and then in the invisible spaces, just his leadership and what he does for our team just can’t be overstated.” Meanwhile, Stan Van Gundy, an official voter, expressed his support for Jokic, emphasizing his unique contributions to the game.
What's Next
The NBA MVP voting will conclude shortly, with a panel of writers and broadcasters set to cast their ballots. As the regular season wraps up, the anticipation surrounding the MVP award continues to build, with Gilgeous-Alexander positioned to potentially become the 14th player in NBA history to win the award consecutively.
